Unlawful Loaded rifle or shotgun in vehicle in Bellevue

In Washington State a misdemeanor Loaded rifle or shotgun in vehicle — can have a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If you are convicted Loaded rifle or shotgun in vehicle you could be facing jail time and trouble securing employment in the future.

Often times Loaded rifle or shotgun in vehicle charges are prosecuted in city courts with differing procedures and penalties. A misdemeanor weapons charge may sounds relatively harmless, but it can have a long-lasting impact on your ability to obtain housing, find employment. Additionally, gun related crimes create significant barriers to employment for many people.

For many people charged with Loaded rifle or shotgun in vehicle this is the first time they have been on the wrong side of the law. There could be a simple misunderstanding that the officer was unwilling to listen to. You may be an avid hunter or have a reasonable explanation for you loaded firearm charge.

Below I have listed the Washington State Law for Loaded rifle or shotgun in vehicle:

Loaded rifle or shotgun in vehicle — Unlawful use or possession — Unlawful use of a loaded firearm — Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful possession of a loaded rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle, as defined in RCW 46.04.320, or upon an off-road vehicle, as defined in RCW 46.04.365, if:

(a) The person carries, transports, conveys, possesses, or controls a rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle, or upon an off-road vehicle, except as allowed by department rule; and

(b) The rifle or shotgun contains shells or cartridges in the magazine or chamber, or is a muzzle-loading firearm that is loaded and capped or primed.

(2) A person is guilty of unlawful use of a loaded firearm if:

(a) The person negligently discharges a firearm from, across, or along the maintained portion of a public highway; or

(b) The person discharges a firearm from within a moving motor vehicle or from upon a moving off-road vehicle.

(3) Unlawful possession of a loaded rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle or upon an off-road vehicle, and unlawful use of a loaded firearm are misdemeanors.